"Shameful", "Should be Iga Swiatek by a mile" - Fans react to Aryna Sabalenka being awarded for promoting women's tennis

Reigning World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka was recently announced as the recipient of the 2024 Jerry Diamond ACES Award. The Belarusian was named as the pick for the award due to her efforts to promote women's tennis through her participation in off-court and charitable activities. However, most tennis fans were less than impressed with Sabalenka receiving the award.

The award marks the latest feather in Sabalenka's cap. The Belarusian had a stunning year on the court, winning two Major titles at the Australian Open and the US Open, and clinching two WTA 1000 titles across Cincinnati and Wuhan.

On Wednesday, December 11, it was confirmed that Aryna Sabalenka won the 2024 Jerry Diamond ACES Award. The news soon made to X (formerly Twitter), where most fans criticized the development.

Several fans revisited Sabalenka's past remark about her lack of interest in women's tennis and wondered how she could have been the right pick for the award. One among them also called the Belarusian out over her support for women's tennis events to be held in Saudi Arabia despite the country's often-questioned women's rights records.

"This is shameful. Sabalenka was one of the supporters of Saudi sportingwash. Numerous controversial statements that harmed the women's struggle. Which activist institution did she publicly support? She ran away from taking a stand against the war in Ukraine," a fan wrote.

"She doesn't even watch women tennis.... what," commented another fan.

"Aryna "I don't watch women's tennis" Sabalenka? That is hilarious," another chimed in.

Some fans also took a swipe at the World No. 1 over her social media posts, many of which tend to showcase a more fun-loving side of the Belarusian instead of the fierce on-court competitor that she is. One suggested that former World No. 1 Iga Swiatek would have been the right choice for the award.

"I’m late to this but just saw and ijbol. Dedication to promote alcohol consumption, off-court home wrecking and stating that women’s tennis is boring aced WTA? GOT IT," wrote one fan.

"Another joke in tennis world. Clearly tik-tok and dancing on insta reels is what really matter," another weighed in.

"No comment. Should be Iga by a mile..." one opined.

Sabalenka faced backlash after saying earlier this year that men's tennis interests her more than women's tennis. However, the Belarusian later defended her initial statement.

"Didn't mean to disparage women's tennis" - Aryna Sabalenka

Aryna Sabalenka (Source: Getty)

Aryna Sabalenka made her initial remark about not watching women's tennis during a pre-tournament press conference in the buildup to the 2024 Madrid Open. However, after facing criticism for her comment, she went into a little bit more detail about where her remark stemmed from.

"I didn't mean to disparage women's tennis, I just find it more fun to watch men play because I spend a lot of time studying my opponents, so then in my free time I don't want to see girls again that I can play against," Aryna Sabalenka said at a later Madrid Open press conference.

Sabalenka's 2024 season ended in the semifinals of the WTA Finals, where the Belarusian was ousted by eventual champion Coco Gauff.